Frequently Asked Questions

Service Questions

Do you go to all areas?

Yes! We've done work from Yanchep to Beverley to Armadale and all over the Perth metro area.

How long will it take?

Most jobs are completed in one day including earthworks to the removal of formwork. Complicated, difficult access and jobs greater than 50m2 may take two or more days.

Line cutting and concrete honing are done on another day after the concrete has time to harden.

Exposed aggregate takes at least two days as we will return the following morning to remove the top layer of cement to exposed the stones.

Sealing is usually done several weeks later as prescribed by the sealers instructions.

Do you do all colours?

Yes! All colours are available, as well as a variety of decorative stones for use in exposed aggregate and honed concrete. You can visit our Resources page to get an idea for what colours and coloured stones are available or give us a call to discuss your needs.

Can you match my existing concrete?

Absolutely! We can match the style and colour of your existing concrete. However, coloured concrete can vary mix to mix, depending on the materials and pigments used but we should be able to get close. Also note that the colour won't be exactly the same, even two separate concrete loads from the same concrete plant on the same day can differ slightly.

How do I pay?

Payments can be made by cash, cheque, direct deposit bank transfer and credit card (Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted, a 1.9% fee may apply)

Concrete Questions

Does coloured concrete fade?

The colour pigments used in coloured concrete are UV stable and fade resistant and does not fade. The cement does however change tones during the curing process and as it ages in the weather. This may be due to efflorescence and is explained in more detail below in "Why is my concrete turning white".

Will my concrete crack?

Unfortunately all concrete cracks. This is due to a number of reasons, such as the concrete and surrounding surfaces expanding and contracting, ground movement, heavy vehicles and tree roots. However it is manageable.

Control lines are placed strategically in potential problem areas where possible to encourage the cracks to occur in these lines, keeping the cracks hidden from view.

Steel mesh reinforcement is another option. Steel reinforcement won't prevent cracking but it ensures any cracks that do appear won't open up. The concrete won't lift up and become an unsightly tripping hazard and it keeps the concrete locked together so you still won't have weeds or ants causing grief.

Why is my concrete turning white?

Whilst concrete is curing and the water evaporates from the concrete excess lime from the cement rises to the surface. This results in the formation of salts on the surface of the concrete as the lime reacts with the air resulting in a chaulky white coloured film. This is called efflorescence. This is normal and will naturally fade naturally over time with rain and general wear and tear.

Concrete Care

How do I remove efflorescence?

There are several ways to remove efflorescence. The best and safest way is to use an efflorescence remover available from hardwares such as bunnings and follow the instructions on the product.

You can also use hydrochloric acid mixed with 10 parts water to 1 part acid, however always test in an inconspicuous area first to determine if it has the effect you desire. Apply to dry concrete with a watering can or sprayer and then be sure to wash off the acid with plenty of water or neutralize with a baking soda solution as leaving acid on can have undesirable effects.

Work your way up from the bottom of any slopes to avoid acid running down the hill over dry concrete, which can leave a mark. Make sure to read the labels for your safety.

How long before I can use the concrete?

Generally you can walk on the concrete the next day and drive a car on it two days after being laid in summer. In winter when it's cold wait two days to walk on and four days to drive on your new concrete. Trucks should wait 28 days for the concrete to reach its full strength before use.

Should I water the concrete?

No, except if you can keep it continuously wet. Assisting the curing of concrete by keeping it moist will make it stronger. If you can keep your concrete continuously wet for 3 days, you can increase the strength of your concrete by up to 50%. Or if you can keep it wet for 28 days it can make it 130% stronger! This will make it less likely to crack and be more durable.

Allowing the concrete to dry between each wetting may increase the chance of cracking. As the concrete gets wet and dry it expands and contracts which can induce cracks to form. Therefore, from the next day, keep it wet if you can for as long as you can without it drying out, but if it dries out, in order to not provoke cracking, let it stay dry.

You can try "ponding" the concrete or using sprinklers on timers where extra concrete strength is desired. However, unless the extra strength is a requirement, don't stress too much about it, the reduced strength is quite unlikely to be a problem in most applications. If you do require extra strength then considering a higher strength concrete with thicker mesh reinforcement is another option.

There are also concrete curing membranes you can apply to fresh concrete which will help lock in moisture which in turn should make the concrete stronger. Always read and follow the instructions for these products.

Sealers

How long before I can seal concrete?

When using sealer it's best to read the label and follow their instructions on how long to wait and how to apply. Each brand of sealer has it's own waiting period and requirements. Generally you have to wait from 14 days to 28 days after pouring the concrete before a sealer can be applied. Sealing too early can bring about various problems including the concrete turning white under the sealer or delamination of the sealer itself.

Note: be wary of verbal advice from contractors, sales men or strangers as whatever is written on the can is what you should follow.

Which sealer should I use?

More sealer information please.

There are no rules as to which sealer to use (except for Liquid Limestone which requires a sealer that allows it to "breathe"). Consider when choosing your sealer which attributes you need, such as appearance, stain resistance, ease of application, slip-resistance, cost and VOC content (Volatile Organic Compound content, low VOC sealers are less toxic).

Types of sealers:

Solvent based sealers can come in gloss and satin finishes. You may need a solvent based sealer to achieve a "wet look" finish.

Water based sealers are generally cheaper, less toxic, easier to apply and clean up and can be applied sooner than solvent based sealers.

Film forming sealers, which are usually acrylic, coming in both water and solvent based varieties, form a protective barrier on the surface of the concrete. These sealers may cause the concrete to become slippery as more layers are added so a non-slip additive may be desired for pool surrounds and steep pathways. Acrylic sealers may alter the look of your concrete to enhance it's appearance and colours. Blemishes and colour variations may also be enhanced so take this into consideration.

Penetrating sealers, silane/siloxant and silicate sealers, penetrate the concrete to form a barrier within the concrete itself. These are good for where water proofing is desired, such as pool surrounds and where a natural look is desired, such as with liquid limestone. They are cheap, longer lasting, water based, odourless, low VOC and are easy to apply. They can be stain resistant and non-stain resistant depending on the product, so check the can before use if this is important to you.

Epoxy sealers are mostly not UV resistant and will turn yellow over time if exposed to sunlight and are not really suitable for outdoors. They are also water proof and can bubble if moisture is coming up from beneath the concrete. However they are durable, easy to clean and perform well. They're often used on garage floors.

Additives can be added to the sealer to give sealers additional properties, such as non-slip grit additives, decorative flakes and colours.

As there are an abundance of sealers on the market which have varying qualities between them so there is bound to be one to suit your needs and budget. As sealers can be made out of a large range of compounds and additives, be sure to read the can yourself to ensure it has the qualities you need!

Steve Kingsley

0429 686 238

08 9296 1995

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PERTH ALL AREAS

We can come to you!

We concrete in all suburbs of Perth. We often operate in Joondalup, Ellenbrook, Midland, Mundaring, Whelshpool and all around and in between. Even out to York and Toodyay! So whether you live in or out of Perth, we'll come to you! Just give us a call, anytime!

Why Concrete?

1. Concrete is easy. No weeds, no sand, easy to clean and lasts much longer.

2. Style and colour. A range of colours and finishes to choose from so you can match your desired colour scheme and style.

3. Adds value Custom crafted to your needs and wishes, concrete improves your standard of living and house value. And it looks great!